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Immigration Delay Shows President Focused on Politics, not Latino Concerns

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Immigration Delay Shows President Focused on Politics, not Latino Concerns

Goal Must be Bipartisan Legislative Solution

(Washington, D.C.) – Today the White House announced that the president will not follow through on his prior commitment to revise enforcement of immigration laws. Instead, he will announce changes after the midterm elections – out of concern for the political ramifications of any announcement.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

"Listening to President Obama make his case for executive action one was led to believe that he was driven by a deep-seated conviction that he was acting on behalf of those seeking to come out of the shadows – and to place the dignity of the individual above all. He said he wanted to do what was best for the nation's economy, to alleviate market forces and honor the integrity of borders. Instead, he is driven strictly by political outcomes. His latest indecision also further undermines the trust of the American people – which has been reflected in his falling approval rating – and erodes any hope of a permanent, bipartisan immigration solution during this administration.

Reform advocates understand that the best outcome has always been to work with Congress to enact permanent changes in law, rather than issue risky unilateral orders that could be overturned by the courts or by a future president – and that also come with serious unintended consequences. We stand ready to work with the president if he is willing to make a good faith effort. In the meantime, it's disappointing – but not surprising – that the president is again putting political considerations first. That's what he has done all along – ever since he broke his promise to propose legislation in his first year in office. Six years later, that's still what he's doing."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173

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